First Stanza

Sexton uses the title "Courage" as a theme to be explained. The "it" in the first stanza is courage, and the items listed after "it" are examples of courage. Sexton likens a small thing such as a "child's first step" to a large thing, an earthquake, meaning that, both literally and metaphorically, taking a first step is a momentous occasion. In all of these examples, Sexton attempts to show the courageous aspect of everyday, often mundane, events. Being a confessional poet, Sexton is surely speaking to another part of herself; however, these events are universal as well, a point underscored by her use of the second person "we" and "you." Also, most of these examples are taken from childhood, a time of exploration and firsts. It is also human beings' most vulnerable time. This vulnerability often leads to suffering, something that Sexton points out as frequently...